gadfly
UK: ˈɡædflaɪ | US: ˈɡædflaɪ
n. 1. A persistent annoyance or critic; someone who provokes others into action by irritation.
n. 2. A type of fly that bites livestock, especially horses or cattle.
The word "gadfly" combines "gad" (originally meaning a sharp object used to prod animals) and "fly," literally describing an insect that stings livestock. Over time, it metaphorically expanded to describe people who provoke or irritate others into action, much like Socrates, who was famously called the "gadfly of Athens" for challenging societal norms.
The journalist acted as a gadfly, exposing corruption in the government.
Horses swished their tails to ward off the gadflies.
She played the gadfly in meetings, always questioning outdated policies.
The gadfly’s bite left a painful welt on the cow’s hide.
His gadfly nature made him unpopular but effective at sparking change.